“I feel sensitive to light like film, and it documents my memories closer to the ideal, the transcendent, the ephemeral image.” – says Guy Nechmad Stern. Since the beginning of the summer there hasn’t been an interview independent of the magazine, but it’s time to start the season again, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do!
Could we start with some background information about you? Where you grew up, where you based, how did you get interested in photography?
I moved to the United States from Jerusalem a year ago for my MFA, started in California, then moved to where I’m based now, New York. I grew up in central Israel and went to the best arts high school. My family would say that I was born this way, But that’s where I had my first real exhibition. I really peaked in high school, in terms of a postmodern artist origin story of burning out too bright too young.
Do your photos look very natural, do you use some post-processing or do you avoid it completely?
Flattering question!
Analogue photography and Polaroid is back in its heyday, what do you think is the reason for this?
It is materialistic physical, not virtual. Analog never lost its value, film has always been more than digital, because it’s a real thing in the world, a sensitive thing, that is sensitive to light.
I feel sensitive to light like film, and it documents my memories closer to the ideal, the transcendent, the ephemeral image. Film is like painting with the sun.
Also there’s a sentimental reason for me, my Dad and Grandfather, both were amazing photographers and they used film because that’s all they had. It’s a family passion I guess, I still have all my dad’s cameras from the early 2000’s, and that’s what I do video with to get that homemade feel.
Are your photos taken spontaneously, or is there some kind of preparation before you start shooting with someone?
I never prepare in advance, but at the same time, I always remember my ideas. And if by chance I can make a fantasy come true with my subject, that’s the dream. I like to make both of our dreams come true in my pictures.
About making dreams come true. Do you think it’s the photographer’s or model’s job to make the dream come true or do you see the photo shoot as a team effort, even if it’s just the two of you?
When it’s a team effort it’s definitely better. In terms of making a dream come true there should definitely be an open conversation about everything. But not every single time you’re making a dream come to life, sometimes the world is already beautiful and I just want to capture it.
Which type are you? The type who takes a camera everywhere and enjoys spontaneous documentary work, or do you like it when you plan a series and only work with one model?
I try to always have a camera on me, video or still.
In photography, what do you think it takes to succeed recently?
I have no idea what success is.
What makes a guy a good ‘model’ for you?
A need to be photographed, some desire to become an image. I think that’s very honest and beautiful.
What inspires you?
Intimacy, time, lust, death, dreams, youth, beauty, magic, eternity.
Good photos need a little magic or chemistry. Do you have any tricks you use to help the model get in the mood for the shoot?
I think it’s a gift of its own to make people feel comfortable, or beautiful. I try not to have any rules, everyone is different and I’m different when I meet them. When I was younger I had this idea that in order to take a good naked picture I should be naked, sort of a bedroom hippie fantasy, and I learned that “naked” is really a state of mind; you can wear a lot and be super expose and sexy, and you can wear nothing at all and be very hidden and safe.
I try to make me and whos in front of the camera equal, and even though it would never be fully true, we both should be as honest and vulnerable and emotionally naked as we can.
What do you do when you have time for yourself?
I’m a huge cinephile and I also jerk off.
What makes you happy?
I can’t control my feelings.
Please finish the sentences:
The person you would most like to work with is… Simon Porte Jacquemus // The best to do tomorrow is… sleep in // One of your favorite movies is… Elephant by Gus Van Sant
Photographs by Guy Nechmad Stern @guynechmadstern / www.guynechmadstern.com
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